About Us
Who is Balance Physiotherapy?
Tanner completed his Master of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of Toronto in 2011 and Bachelor of Kinesiology at McMaster University in 2007.
Tanner has a keen interest in all types of sport and orthopaedic injuries and has experience working with a variety of individual and team sport athletes. He has helped patients rehabilitate following fractures, sprains/strains, reconstructive surgeries and degenerative conditions. Tanner also specializes in the assessment of running injuries and proper technique to improve performance and facilitate a successful return to activity following injury. Additionally, Tanner offers a professional bike fitting service specializing in the foot/pedal interface through BikeFit Canada.
Tanner’s treatment philosophy incorporates a functional movement-based approach. He uses manual therapy, acupuncture/dry needling, exercises and education to alleviate dysfunction and optimize the well-being in his patients. Recreationally Tanner is also an avid endurance athlete, notably competing in multiple Boston marathons, the 2016 Ironman Mont-Tremblant, and various trail and ultra distance running races. When he is not in the clinic you can find Tanner chasing after his son Eddie or exploring the amazing running trails and gravel cycling Ottawa has to offer.
POST-GRADUATE COURSES
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Level 3 Manual Therapy through the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA)
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Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program through McMaster University
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Level 2 Kinetacore Dry Needling
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Level 1 Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)
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Level 2 Functional Movement Screen (FMS)
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Y-Balance Test certification through Functional Movement Systems (FMS)
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Level 1 Professional Bike Fit certification through BikeFit Canada
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New Trends in the Prevention of Running Injuries
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McKenzie Part A
Additional Services
Bike Fitting
Bought a new bike? Have a persistent ache or pain you just can’t get rid of? Getting ready for a big event? Want to smash the local climb or ride better with your group? Improving your position on the bike can help you maximize comfort, improve performance and manage injuries to get the most out of your ride.
All our bike are performed by Tanner Gervais; physiotherapist, Ironman triathlete, and experienced road/gravel cyclist. Physiotherapists are experts in movement and adapting the natural asymmetries of the human body to a symmetrical device like a bicycle is both a science and an art. Bodies also change over the years and a fit you had 5 years ago may not be relevant to your current posture, flexibility and strength. Tanner’s model, developed over years of experience and training, individualizes each fit to dial in your optimal position on the bike whether you ride roads, triathlon, gravel, mountain bikes or recreationally.
Each fit session includes:
● A thorough history taking exploring cycling experience, goals, injury history and training
● An objective off the bike assessment utilizing the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) model as well as cycling specific measures including leg length differences, ape index, foot mechanics, core/lower body strength, etc.
● A comprehensive on the bike evaluation and adjustment of the major contact points: foot/pedal interface, seat, and cockpit. Some materials may be included in the fit (ie. cleat wedges, shims etc.) and recommendations provided for others as needed (ie. stem or saddle changes, etc.)
● Take-home measurements of the new fit position will be provided as well as education regarding the fit process, cycling technique and exercises to improve body position and function as needed
We now also offer a ‘cleat only’ adjustment session that can benefit riders who have purchased new shoes and need to properly align cleats or for those experiencing foot or knee pain and/or numbness to relieve pressure points, optimize alignment and improve output.
Bike fitting is a ‘call to book’ only appointment. Also please ensure your bike is clean and in working order prior to each fit session.
Running Assessments
Running is a sport that can improve your health, is relatively easy to start and can be social, individual or performance based. There is an abundance of information regarding training plans of all distances, gear and running form yet injury rates amongst runners are sky high. Yale Medicine reports at least 50% of runners are injured each year! Training errors, repetitive strain, or inappropriate supports (ie. poor shoewear, mobility and strength issues, etc.) often leave runner’s routinely searching for answers to get back on the road or trail and doing the activity they love.
A proper running assessment can seriously mitigate this risk, however. It is more than simply watching someone run on a treadmill but rather a comprehensive assessment of individual running history, training, footwear, mechanics and technique to optimize running potential. Whether your goals are to improve your performance, train for a new distance, manage an injury or simply get more joy out of your running, you’ve come to the right place.
Balance’s Running Assessment is performed by Tanner Gervais; physiotherapist, multiple time Boston marathoner, Ironman athlete and ultra-trail distance runner. Tanner has accumulated a vast depth of running knowledge over the course of his career and training and has synthesized this information into a practical model that can help runners of all experience levels, distances and disciplines optimize their running experience.
Topics covered include:
· A comprehensive history taking regarding running experience, goals, injuries and training
· An objective physical assessment of running specific measures and foot mechanics using the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) model
· A detailed treadmill analysis of gait with a focus on the 4 pillars of good running form: cadence, foot strike, posture and body lean
· Education regarding shoewear, training plan adjustments or running form to maximize efficiency
· Take home exercises to improve mobility and strength and complement proper running form as needed
Sign up today and elevate your running experience to a new level!
Running assessments are a ‘call to book’ only appointment.